“They cut it down to make room for the new road. It was a huge seasonal tree that made us feel like we really do have fall here in the Valley. It was in front of a pasture and also made us feel like we lived in a small farm town. We already miss that tree and its not even fall yet” Vonda, Gilbert, AZ

I hope you enjoy them.

Red bud tree in my front yard. Red buds were my late sister’s favorite type of tree. I don’t like it’s location (too close to my driveway), but I keep it because of her memory. Paul, Reston, VA

I hope you decide to send me a picture of a tree.

When I was 8, her shade kept me cool manning my “Heather’s Hardware” roadside stand, where I sold nails and string and my parent’s hammers (for $2.00) to passers-by. 30 years ago, I saved this tree from NOVEC by making a “Please don’t cut this tree down, it’s a friend of mine” sign. They did this to it last week while my parents were out of town. Now, it has to come out, which makes my chest hurt. Heather, Hamilton, VA

I would love that.

“Of all my trees, this is my favorite. It is an almond tree. It is my Brigham tree. I saved my placenta from Brighams birth and when he was old enough to help me we planted it with this tree together. He loves his tree.” Rachel, Gilbert, AZ

I was looking for something different to do, something that would not require energy or expense on my part. This is a constant challenge during breaks. I don’t need to over-think this, do you know the story of the Gordian Knot? Sometimes the solution to the problem is bold action.

Today we are going to have a picnic under the trees. Our destination is the Chandler History Museum. The Chandler History Museum fits my formula for a weekday outing.

It is nearby, free, uncrowded, has a bathroom and nearby friendly places to explore.

Can you see the picnic bench?

I took a picture of the beautiful trees in front of the Museum and if you look you can see a few picnic tables. Right across the lawn from this spot is the Chandler Public Library with rows of walls to climb, a gazebo and succulent green lawns that attract birds perfect for little ones to run towards and scatter.

The Chandler History Museum is a jewel. Small in scale but thoughtfully presented. First and foremost it has a fullonouthouse. The outhouse is situated immediately to the right (my right not her right) of the reception area. It is reminiscent of those luxury homes built directly across the street from the dairy farms near my house in Gilbert. Although this outhouse is for display purposes only.

Privacy please!

I love the outhouse.

They have a big antique car, an old fashioned fridge with icebox (you can open it). If you like photography or photoshop access to interesting things to photo is rampant. I took a close up of that Fridge dial to use as an icon on a hot day.

Old fashioned fridge dial

Larger displays are segmented, farm, home, kitchen, school, sports hall of fame. The Museum collects and catalogs oral histories. I was most delighted to see an office with view windows to observe the resident archeologist at work. Even if you don’t see the work you can see the office, tools, artifacts and pottery shards. It is easy to imagine that sort of work when you see it situated in an office.

You can see an archeologist at work here. Is this something that interests you?

Conversation starters in the Museum include “What do you do for fun in your neighborhood?”‘
“How did you choose the location of your house?”, “who built the homes in your neighborhood?”‘ “Do you know what was in the area before your neighborhood developed?”

The Chandler History Museum changes the way people learn about Chandler through their ChandlerpediA as they digitize the cities culture and history. Great questions and a place like this will help me find the answers, in person or online.

Flushingly,
Mrs. Kenney

pretty!

MomNote: this area of Chandler is pedestrian friendly. You can visit the shops, restaurants, library, Vision Gallery or fountains all within ten minutes. I suggest driving the block before you park to pick a secondary place to stroll to. I like the Vision Gallery and the parking garage (it has a fountain and rooftop to explore). The museum is stroller and wheelchair friendly (lots of open space) but the bathroom at the museum is close quarters (down an old hallway). You can do it but with the Chandler Public Library just across the yard if I had my choice and kiddos and strollers I’d pick the library.